Health Risks For Workers Research Articles

Cuba pesticides knowledge and practical use

Off-label use of pesticides (i.e. application at inappropriate times and/or on unregistered crops) is a potential risk to the environment and human health. The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of small lot farmers on the use, risk, and hazards associated with exposure to pesticides in the agricultural region of Sancti Spíritus, Cuba. For the fulfillment of the objective, 124 small lot farmers of the province were surveyed. The results were analyzed from an initial descriptive analysis and then through an association analysis using the Chi-Square test and Spearman correlations, with the use of the statistical package SPSS version 20.0. The results showed that only 28.3 % of the farmers had received specific training on pesticides. Personal experience was the main driver for decisions about which pesticides to use and how to apply them. 35.8 % of the farmers stored pesticides in unmarked containers, such as soft drink bottles. The empty containers are stored to be incinerated (31.7 %) or reused (42.6 %) for pesticides, water, or fuel. Around 90 % of farmers do not use personal protection equipment. The study concludes that the lack of knowledge and personal protective equipment, inability to understand the labels, and low risk-perception are the main causes of exposure to pesticides and the health risk for workers and nearby residents, as well as damage to the environment.

Use of residual rock strength in bearing structures in underground ore mining

The relevance of the study is explained by the need to improve technological processes with the increasing complexity of the development of ore deposits with an increase in the depth of development, the use of powerful technology and an increase in stresses in arrays of ore-bearing rocks. The need to minimize the risk of mining requires the development and use of tools for managing an array. The purpose of this study is to systematize information about the theory and practice of using the residual bearing capacity of destroyed rocks from the practice of underground mining to improve the methods used to control the geomechanics of ore-bearing arrays. The complex of research includes analytical, full-scale, laboratory and theoretical methods that are used to identify the phenomenon of the use of the residual carrying capacity of destroyed rocks. To achieve this goal information on the use of bearing floors made of intact and destroyed ores and rocks, as well as other materials, is systematized. A brief description of the scientific support of mining engineering tasks is given. The phenomenon of the use of residual bearing capacity of disturbed rocks in the structure arising in the mountain massif is characterized. A critical analysis of the concepts of array management is given. Considered alternative options for creating structures for solving problems of reducing the health risk of workers and improving the quality of ores. A new typification of structures using the residual strength of destroyed rocks is given. It has been proved that in underground mining there is an opportunity to realize the residual bearing capacity of the destroyed rocks to create structures with desired properties, which contributes to solving the tasks of labor protection and improving the quality of ores.

Peculiarities of morbidity and assessment of occupational health risks for workers who contact aerosols of man-made mineral fibers

Peculiarities of morbidity and assessment of occupational health risks for workers who contact aerosols of man-made mineral fibers

Occupational hazards and risk assessment of benzene-related enterprises in yangzhou city from 2014 to 2018

Objective: To investigate the benzene concentration in the workplace of benzene-related enterprises in Yangzhou City from 2014 to 2018, and the abnormal blood routine of workers exposed to benzene, and to assess their occupational hazards. Methods: The environmental monitoring data of benzene-related enterprises and the health examination data of benzene exposed workers were collected in March 2019. The inhalation risk assessment model of the National Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was used to assess the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of benzene workers. Results: The qualified rate of benzene detection in the workplace was 100% from 2014 to 2018, the highest concentration was 1.42 mg/m(3) in five years. The abnormal rates of blood routine detection in benzene exposed workers in five years was 7.10% (213/2 998) 、5.17% (218/4 214) 、5.61% (196/3 493) 、7.65% (288/3 767) 、7.83% (280/3 574) and 7.83%. respectively. The results of risk assessment showed that the minimum carcinogenic risk value was 7.56×10(-6) and the maximum carcinogenic risk value was 31.33×10(-6) in 2014-2018. The hazard quotient values were than 1. Conclusion: Benzene monitoring concentration in benzene-related enterprises in Yangzhou City from 2014 to 2018 was low, which meets the occupational exposure limit in China. However, the abnormal rate of blood routine in five years is still high, and there are both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. We should pay more attention to the health risk of workers exposed to low concentrat in benzene.

Health risk assessment for exposure to fine dust in production conditions

Introduction.The results of the study of the working area air during thermal insulation works are presented.The aim of the studywas to assess the health risk of workers in the construction industry and exposed to fine dust.Materials and methods.The number of dust particles of different dispersion in the air of the working area in the implementation of thermal insulation works is determined.Results.It is established that the working conditions during the thermal insulation works in accordance with the current regulatory documentation are classified as harmful 3 class 2 degree. Harmful factor of the production environment is dust (including PM10and fine PM2,5) in air of working zone (3.2). The air quality of the working area indicates a long stay of fine dust in the air over the territory of the construction site. Dust of different dispersed composition was found in the air of the working area during thermal insulation works. Th e dust concentration is more than 10 μm was 8.2±1.3 mg/m3, PM10and 1.8±0.4 mg/m3, PM2,5–1,25±0,2 mg/m3.Conclusions.The results obtained in the experiment make it possible to determine the safe duration of the working experience underthe influence of a harmful factor of the working environment (in terms of the permissible health risk) with different duration ofcontact with it during the day.

Antineoplastic drug occupational exposure: a new integrated approach to evaluate exposure and early genotoxic and cytotoxic effects by no-invasive Buccal Micronucleus Cytome Assay biomarker

Health-care personnel handling antineoplastic drugs could be at risk for adverse health effects. We aimed to evaluate genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of antineoplastic drug exposure of personnel preparing and administering such drugs in three Oncology Hospitals in Italy enrolling 42 exposed subjects and 53 controls. Furthermore, we aimed to study the possible influence of XRCC1 and hOGG1 DNA repair genes polymorphisms on genotoxicity induced on buccal cells. We performed workplace and personal monitoring of some drugs and used exposure diary informations to characterize the exposure. Urinary 5-FU metabolite (α-fluoro-β-alanine) was measured. Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMCyt) assay was used to evaluate DNA damage and other cellular anomalies. GEM and 5-FU contamination was found in 68% and 42% of wipe/swab samples respectively. GEM deposition was found on workers’ pads while no α-fluoro-β-alanine was found. BMCyt-assay showed higher genotoxicity and cytotoxicity on nurses administering antineoplastics than on preparators and controls. Among micronucleus (MN) positive (with MN frequency higher than 1.5‰) exposed subjects, the percentage of those carrying XRCC1 mut/het genotype was higher than in MN positive-controls. Using the sensitive BMCyt assay, we demonstrated that handling antineoplastics still represents a potential occupational health risk for workers that should be better trained/informed regarding such risks.

Indicator Supraparticles for Smart Gasochromic Sensor Surfaces Reacting Ultrafast and Highly Sensitive

AbstractThe detection of toxic gases, such as NH3 and CO, in the environment is of high interest in chemical, electronic, and automotive industry as even small amounts can display a health risk for workers. Sensors for the real‐time monitoring of these gases should be simple, robust, reversible, highly sensitive, inexpensive and show a fast response. The indicator supraparticles presented herein can fulfill all of these requirements. They consist of silica nanoparticles, which are assembled to supraparticles upon spray‐drying. Sensing molecules such as Reichardt's dye and a binuclear rhodium complex are loaded onto the microparticles to target NH3 and CO detection, respectively. The spray‐drying technique affords high flexibility in primary nanoparticle size selection and thus, easy adjustment of the porosity and specific surface area of the obtained micrometer‐sized supraparticles. This ultimately enables the fine‐tuning of the sensor sensitivity and response. For the application of the indicator supraparticles in a gas detection device, they can be immobilized on a coating. Due to their microscale size, they are large enough to poke out of thin coating layers, thus guaranteeing their gas accessibility, while being small enough to be applicable to flexible substrates.

A rostering approach to minimize health risks for workers: An application to a container terminal in the Italian port of Genoa

The evolving safety regulation is pushing seaports to comply with safety measures for workers performing heavy loads handling and repetitive movements. This paper proposes a risk-aware rostering approach in maritime container terminals, i.e., it addresses the rostering problem of minimizing and balancing workers’ risk in such terminals. To this end, a mixed integer mathematical programming model incorporating workforce risks is proposed, considering constraints such as the satisfaction of the workforce demand to perform the terminal operations, the worker-task compatibility and restrictions on the sequence of tasks assigned to the same worker. The model has been successfully applied to plan workforce over a six months horizon in a real container terminal located in Northern Italy, the Southern European Container Hub (SECH) in Genoa. As the workforce demand in SECH terminal is available at most two weeks in advance, a rolling horizon planning approach is devised. Experimental tests on real data provided by SECH terminal over a six months planning horizon highlight the effectiveness of the approach - the maximum monthly risk for workers is reduced by 33.9% compared to the current planning – and suitability to other container terminal contexts. Moreover, the model is applicable to a broad range of port situations, and robust enough to need little adaptation.

Working conditions and the formation of health risks among workers of the petrochemical industry engaged in the production of methanol and its derivatives

Introduction.Methanol and its derivatives occupy one of the leading places among the main organic synthesis intermediates in terms of their importance and scale of production. According to experts, by 2027 the global demand for methanol can reach 135 million tons, the annual growth will be about 5.5%. However, there is little information regarding the assessment of working conditions and occupational risks for workers in modern methanol production and its derivatives.The aim of the studyis hygienic assessment of working conditions and the formation of health risks in workers of modern production of methanol and methylamines.Materials and methods.The assessment of the main adverse factors of production is given. When studying the state of health, objective indicators (the results of an in-depth medical examination) and subjective (the results of a quantitative assessment of the risks of the main pathological syndromes associated with health) are considered.Results.According to long-term observations, the concentration of harmful substances in the air of the working area, indicators of labor severity, parameters of physical factors met hygienic requirements, with the exception of industrial noise exceeding the maximum permissible level, as well as labor intensity of 1 degree. The General assessment of working conditions corresponds to the category of harmful 2 degrees (3.2). According to the results of the medical examination and quantitative assessment of the risks of health disorders in workers, the most significant were functional disorders and diseases of the circulatory system. The levels of somatic pathology on the part of the main body systems were significantly higher in apparatchiks compared to the engineering and technical personnel (ETP).Conclusions:In the production of methyl alcohol and methylamines, the main hygienic importance is the impact on workers of the complex of harmful substances of 1-IV hazard classes in low concentrations, increased levels of industrial noise, labor intensity of 1 degree. According to the subjective assessment of health and medical examination, the greatest prevalence of health risks in workers was observed from the circulatory system, and the levels of the revealed somatic pathology were statistically significantly higher in apparatchiks compared with the ETP.

Sanitary Conditions of Primary Health Care Services from the perspective of Sanitary Surveillance

Introduction: Sanitary surveillance (SS) is aimed at the risk associated with products and services and is part of the activities related to Primary Health Care (PHC) in its structure and processes. Objectives: To analyze the perception of SS professionals on the sanitary conditions (SC) of PHC services. Methods: Professionals of Sanitary surveillance teams Participated of a Focus Group (FG) of four Sanitary Districts of Salvador. The reports were analyzed based on documents and regulations of the Ministry of Health (MOH). Results: The participants of the FG associated SC to health risks, highlighting problems regarding the structure of services and provision of equipment/materials for actions under the PHC. They presented strategies to minimize risks such as preventive maintenance of equipment, supply of materials for the provision of care, and monitoring and organization of the work process in an appropriate manner. They considered persistence as an important trait for the work of SS professionals to achieve the minimization of health risks of workers and users in the PHC. Conclusions: The data collection technique of FG enabled the discussion of the topic and the reflection of professionals on their practices. However, it was found that for the implementation of FG, the focus on the theme is challenging. It is considered that it was difficult for SS professionals to address the possible implications of SC on PHC services and on the health of the population.

THE HEALTH OF WORKERS OF CONCENTRATING MILLS BY MODERN TECHNOLOGIES OF CONCENTRATION OF MINERALS AND PREVENTION MEASURES

The article presents the results of study of factors of occupational risk for health of workers of ore-dressing factories. At ore-dressing factories, despite of implementing new technological processes and modern equipment, leading role of noise factor and pollution of air of working zone with aerosols predominantly of fibrogenic effect is preserved. for workers of ore-dressing factories a high degree of industrial conditioning of diseases of blood circulation organs, respiratory organs, bone muscular system, INT organs is specific. The structure of occupational diseases is formed by dust diseases of lungs and occupational pathology of organ of hearing. The complex of preventive measures is developed and ways of their implementation are proposed targeted to supporting health of workers opf ore-dressing factories and preventing development of occupational and occupationally conditioned diseases.

Evaluation of Occupational Exposure to Heat Stress and Physiological Responses of Workers in the Rolling Industry

Background and Objective: Many indices are used to assess occupational heat stress at the work environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate heat stress using Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index and Discomfort Index (DI), and by measuring physiological responses in the workers of the rolling industry and comparing the appropriateness of these indices for measuring heat stress. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 90 healthy workers of a rolling industry in eastern Tehran in 2017. Physiological parameters of core body temperature (Tcr) and Heart Rate (HR) were measured during the working shift according to ISO9886 standard. At the same time, environmental variables such as the natural wet temperature (Tnw), dry temperature (Td) and globe temperature (Tg) were measured and recorded at the workstations. Then, the DI and the WBGT indices were calculated using the related formulae. Data were analyzed using SPSS v. 21, t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The mean heat stress indices were significantly higher in working conditions than resting conditions, and there was a significant difference between the physiological parameters of Tcr and HR in resting and working conditions (P<0.001). According to the screening criteria of DI, 43.3% of the workers were exposed to the moderate level and 56.7% to the severe level of heat stress. There was a significant difference between the mean WBGT and the Threshold limit values (t= 4.903, P<0.001). Pearson correlation test showed that there was a significant and direct linear relationship between the WBGT and the physiological parameters of Tcr and HR (r=0.317, P=0.002; r=0.434, P<0.001, respectively). The DI index had a significant and direct linear relationship with HR; (r=0.229, P=0.03). Conclusion: The results showed that WBGT is a more appropriate index for evaluating the heat stress of workers in the rolling industry. High heat stress levels at the workstations along with heavy physical activity are health risks for workers in this industry; therefore, interventions must be undertaken to reduce exposure.

Aflatoxin production and in vitro toxicity of Aspergilli section Flavi isolated from air samples collected from different environments.

Aspergilli section Flavi, originally isolated from air samples collected from inhabited apartments (AP), unoccupied basements (BS), and processing facilities of a grain mill (GM), were analyzed for their potential to produce aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on solid media. The isolates were further characterized with regard to their cytotoxic, genotoxic, and pro-inflammatory properties in vitro. Aspergilli were identified based on partial calmodulin (CaM) gene sequencing; the producing capacities of isolates were analyzed by HPLC/FLD and confirmed by genes in biosynthesis (aflR, norA, omtA). In the grain mill, the Aspergilli section Flavi (up to 1.3 × 106cfu/m3) dominated by AFB1-producing Aspergillus flavus (71%, 4.5-5254ng/ml) which showed a serious health risk for workers. Living environments were not relevant sources of exposure. After 24h, AFB1 (1-100μmol/l) reduced cell viability (MTT test) in both A549 cells and THP-1 macrophage-like cells without reaching IC50. In A549 cells, the extract of the AFB1-producing A. flavus significantly decreased cell viability but not below 50%. THP-1 macrophage-like cells were more sensitive to both extracts, but IC50 was obtained only for the AFB1-producing strain (0.37mg/ml; AFB1 2.78μmol/l). AFB1 (1 and 10μmol/l) induced significant DNA damage (tail intensity, alkaline comet assay) in A549 cells in contrast to Aspergilli extracts. AFB1 elevated IL-6 and IL-8, while Aspergilli extracts increased IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-17 release in THP-1 macrophages (ELISA). Chronic exposure to AFB1 and/or other metabolites in airborne A. flavus from occupational environments may stimulate epithelial damage of airways accompanied by lowered macrophage viability.

Современное состояние условий труда и оценка профессионального риска здоровью работников мукомольного производства

Современное состояние условий труда и оценка профессионального риска здоровью работников мукомольного производства

Contemporary working conditions and assessment of occupational health risk for workers employed at flour-grinding productions

Contemporary working conditions and assessment of occupational health risk for workers employed at flour-grinding productions

Risk assessment of occupational and occupationally conditioned diseases connection to noise when exceeding maximum permissible levels

In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 3.2.6 of sanitary rules and norms «Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for physical factors at workplace», in the event of exceeding noise level at workplace above 80 dBA, an employer is obliged to assess the health risk of workers and confirm an acceptable risk to their health. The connection between the incidence of occupational and occupationally conditioned diseases with noise exposure exceeding the maximum permissible levels (80 dBA) was estimated. The assessment was carried out at a food industry enterprise of Perm Region. Assessing the relationship between morbidity and noise exposure is the first step in evaluation of occupational health risks for workers exposed to noise exceeding MAL. If a reliable relationship between morbidity and noise exposure is established, an assessment of occupational risk is conducted. The odds ratio (OR) for diseases characterized by high blood pressure and disorders of autonomic nervous system was <1 (confidence interval CI=0.11–1.61 and CI=0.08–2.78, respectively). The relative risk (RR) for diseases characterized by high blood pressure and disorders of autonomic nervous system was <1. The received data testify absence of connection of morbidity with exposure to industrial noise, calculation of etiological share of responses and levels of risk is not required.

Evaluating biologic factor at workplaces: questions and suggestions

Introduction.Special evaluation of work conditions sometimes fails in identifying biologic factor as an occupational hazard in work with infected and (or) potentially infected materials (including field, clinical, autopsy samples) suspicious for presence of pathogenic biologic agents, as well as considering allergic component in biologic factor’s influence on workers exposed.Objectiveis to improve methods of identification and evaluation of biologic factor, criteria and classification of work conditions for workers exposed to pathogenic biologic agents, for more objective assessment of their work conditions.Materials and methods.Based on Rospotrebnadzor data, the authors analyzed occupational morbidity caused by exposure to biologic factors over 2005–2017. Analysis also covered work conditions of workers exposed to biologic factors, according to results of workplace certification by work conditions, performed by Testing Laboratory FGBNU «NII MT» over 2001–2013 at 1024 workplaces of medical and non-medical personnel in medical institutions of Moscow, 26 workplaces of FGBNU «N.F. Gamaleya National Research Institute of epidemiology and microbiology» with RF Health Ministry, 32 workplaces in purification facilities MGUP «Promotkhody». Analysis of the work conditions over 2014–2017 was based on results of special evaluation of work conditions at 326 workplaces (data by FGBNU «NII MT»).Results and discussion.The authors scientifically justified ways to improve quality and adequacy of work conditions evaluation by biologic factor at workplaces of individuals exposed to biologic pathogens. To objectify the work conditions evaluation by biologic factor, the authors suggested a «Classification of work conditions under exposure to biologic factor» that helped to identify and evaluate health risks with consideration of all biologic objects at the workplaces.Conclusion.Suggested «Classification of work conditions under exposure to biologic factor» helps to identify and evaluate biologic factor as an occupational hazard at all workplaces with pathogenic microbes, as well as analyze occupational health risks for workers and justify measures to minimize those risks.

Hygienic evaluation of pesticide application conditions with using aerosol generator

Pesticides variety for agricultural purposes is constantly renewed via creation of preparations that are more effective and less hazardous for environment. Implementation of new technologies of their use often anticipates studies of consequences of their application, from the viewpoint of health risk for workers and population. The article covers hygienic evaluation of the pesticide application with aerosol generator use.

PROFESSIONAL BURNOUT IN DOCTORS: THE VALUE OF THE INTENSITY AND QUALITY OF THE WORK

Introduction. In Russia, as in other countries, the share of the population engaged in professions in which the leading source of the health risk of workers is organizational and psychogenic causes is continuously increasing. Among them, the leading place is occupied by the physiologically inadequate workload. The aim of the research was to establish the relationship patterns of acute and chronic (professional burnout) fatigue with the workload, which was characterized by a combination of the intensity and quality of the work. Material and methods. The index used was generalizing the time-weighted average density (N) and temp (T) employment action: I = P∙T. evaluation of the physiological intensity was carried out in the relation to the level obtained for 1, which was made value I=0.84 (a comfortable temp T=1; the share of breaks and pauses in work to 0.16, P=0.84). Results. Functional overvoltage in doctors occurs during the working day with the intensity of labor is 1.4-1.5 times higher than the level at which the fatigue they have absent or small. The change in labor productivity (number of admissions, number of bets, etc.) in more than the stated range is only possible due to, changes in the quality of work (saving the physical, mental, emotional effort). Increased physiological labor intensity of doctors is the most common source of the risk to their health. Discussion. The most common causes of stress and fatigue including “volume and intensity of work” and “working hours” characterize the level of labor intensity. The factor of “imbalance of effort and reward” is also associated with the intensity of work and health risk. In the case of physical, visual and mental labor, the acute functional overstrain of the worker occurs at a labor intensity 1.4-1.5 times higher than the level at which he has little or no fatigue. The increase in labor productivity in excess of the specified range is possible only due to behavioral adaptations - saving of physical, visual, mental and emotional efforts spent on the fulfillment of a unit of standardized labor, which is inevitably reflected as a result of the activity of the doctor. Сonclusion. The established quantitative characteristics of the main indices of the workload-the physiological intensity of labor and the length of working time are the starting point for the analysis, prediction and primary prevention of the risk of chronic fatigue and professional burnout of medical workers due to the lack of rest that occurs under working conditions, inadequate recovery ability of the human body.

HYGIENIC ASSESSMENT OF WORKING CONDITIONS IN RADIO-ELECTRONIC COMPONENT PRODUCTION

Findings on the hygienic assessment of working conditions in radio-electronic component development and production at a modern enterprise producing capacitors, microcircuits, resistors and semiconductor devices are reported. Working conditions of employees engaged in radio-electronic component development (developers, designers) and production (photolithographers, wiremen, radio-electronic component and semiconductor device assemblers, adjusters and quality control inspectors) were studied. Hygienic studies of the working environment and working process factors were carried out to assess working conditions: workplace noise and magnetic field levels, microclimatic parameters, illuminance, the air pollution by chemicals. Time studies were performed to evaluate the heaviness and intensity of the work process. As a result of our studies, the main adverse factors were identified to assess worker health risks. Working conditions in job groups engaged in radio electronic component design were evaluated as harmful of 3 class, 1 degree. Working process intensity caused by sensory and mental load was found to be the major adverse factor. Working conditions in the job group engaged in experimental and small-scale production are characterized by exposure to “low-intensity factors”. Visual strain and fixed working posture are common for such jobs as radio electronic device wireman and quality control inspector using optical equipment in their work, which rates the heaviness of their working process as harmful working conditions. Our findings are intended to be used to define main harmful factors for the health risk assessment of radio component production workers, to carry out a comprehensive occupational health risk assessment, identifying job and long-term employment duration risk groups, to develop risk management measures. Our findings can provide a scientific rationale and contribute to the development of a complex of hygienic and preventive medical measures to be introduced into the practice of health protection service.